[a video of male lions in the wild]

guy who only knows about the mapogo coalition: i’m getting a lot of mapogo coalition vibes from this

With heavy hearts, we share that the Tsalala Female has lost all three of her cubs.

The Tsalala Female has been dealt a difficult hand from the start, mirroring the challenges faced by her mother, who also raised her first litter alone after the other lionesses in the pride died. Despite this, in recent months, the Tsalala Female was spotted nurturing her cubs with care, despite the looming dangers in her territory. She had already suffered the loss of one cub during a fierce confrontation with nomadic males (covered by Sean Zederberg), a heartbreaking reminder of the relentless challenges she faces. But even as October gave way to November, hopes remained that her remaining cubs might survive to carry on the Tsalala legacy.

Unfortunately, territory dynamics have only grown more complex. With the Kambula Males (Ntsevu breakaway Males) gaining strength and expanding their reach, they are poised to challenge the Plains Camp Males for dominance in the north. This mounting tension has cast an unsettling shadow over the prides linked to the Plains Camp males, including the Tsalala Female. While the Plains Camp duo continues to thrive, patrolling a vast territory and spending time with their associated prides, the shift in power dynamics has created an uncertain environment.

Tragically, it was in this turmoil that the Tsalala Female lost her remaining cubs. First, only one cub was missing, and she was seen desperately searching with the two others at her side. But just a few days later, after an altercation with the Ximugwe Pride close to the area in which she has been keeping her cubs: she was spotted again, bloodied, and this time calling out alone—her remaining cubs nowhere to be found. Reports from our neighbours indicate that both Plains Camp Males have visited the Tsalala Female and her cubs in the past without aggression, ruling them out as the cause of this heartbreak.

As we struggle to piece together the mystery of what really happened, the reality settles in, her cubs are gone, and the Tsalala Female is left to face her solitary path once more.

Throughout October, a coalition of two ageing nomads—the Kruger Male and the Southern Avoca Male—has been wandering through the area. These two males from different backgrounds have banded together to live out their twilight years. A union for survival rather than dominance. Their presence brought an unsettling air to the territory, especially when they ventured westward, closer to where the Tsalala Female had been keeping her cubs safe among the rocky outcrops.

The details of what happened remain unclear, but reports from our neighbouring reserve suggest that a tragic encounter unfolded. It appears the nomads may have stumbled upon the cubs, prompting the Tsalala Female to defend them fiercely. This altercation attracted the attention of the Plains Camp Males, who rushed in to protect what they believe to be their progeny. Despite the bravery displayed, the aftermath revealed that only two cubs had been accounted for, leaving one little life lost in the chaos.

After days passed we could accept the confirmation that one of the female cubs did not survive, weighing heavily on our hearts. For a small pride like the Tsalala Pride, every cub holds the promise of a stronger future, especially the females, who remain with the pride to bolster its ranks. The young male will eventually face his own journey of independence, but the female cubs represent the continuity of the Tsalala Legacy. Losing one is not just a personal tragedy for the mother-it is a setback for the pride's chance to rebuild.

The Tsalala Female herself was seen bearing a few wounds, though thankfully, none appeared serious. Meanwhile, the Kruger Male was spotted alone wandering far from the scene, his solitary figure suggesting the conflict had scattered the parties involved. Days passed without any trace of the missing cub, and though the hope lingered, the reality settled in: the little lioness was gone.

Londolozi Private Game Reserve, South Africa Words by Sean Zeederberg, 5 November 2024

Lion cubs follow after their mom Serengeti National Park, Tanzania Photographed by Laura Dyer

The two Plains Camp males - back when they were still young ‘uns.

Makhunga and brother as subadults in 2020 Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, South Africa Photographed by Greg Heasman, Louise Murray

Naromame, aged 13 years and 9 months. Like her late father Loonkito, she is one of the oldest lionesses in Amboseli.

Naromame the lioness Amboseli National Park, Kenya Photographed by Philip J. Briggs

Earlier this month, our team received word from Big Life Foundation about a lion caught in a snare. The trapped lion was spotted thanks to footage from a camera trap at a waterhole at Great Plains Ol Donyo Lodge in the Chyulu Hills.

The teams could identify from the video footage that the lion was a young male. One of our previous Guardians, Mokoi (who now works for Big Life Foundation as a lion tracker) immediately began tracking the lion on foot, helping our monitoring team to locate the lion with precision.

[…] The rescue went smoothly. The lion was sedated, allowing the teams to safely remove the snare and treat his wound. Our team identified him as the son of Olamaana, naming him Lewaya - meaning "He of the wire." After his release, Lewaya rejoined his father, Olamaana.

Lewaya, “He of the wire” Amboseli National Park, Maasai Mara, Kenya Images and words by Lion Guardians

A lioness annoyed by Lorkulup Taken in the Masai Mara, Kenya Photographed by Vemparala Venkata Subrahmanyam

The Tsalala pride seek shade against the banks of the Manyelethi River. The lioness raised cubs of her own and helped raise others of her pride as well. This tiny cub was in fact born to her mother, the old Tailless female, but never made it to adulthood.

Photograph and caption by Londolozi Private Game Reserve

Vurhami Female and cub Kruger National Park, South Africa Photographed by Tracey Leah Thomson

Pamoja II has died. She was the granddaughter of Yaya, daughter of the first Pamoja, and sister of Simba. She was named for her late mother after whose disappearance was then raised by her grandmother.

From Peter Noonkipa, Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya: